4. June #2
An older man climbs off a ladder and stares up at the building. He glances over at me and smiles kindly. "You look lost." His hair is mostly salt and pepper, but nothing like my mystery guy from the other night.
Lost might be the understatement of the year. But I'm not about to tell this stranger that.
"I was just..." But instead of finishing my sentence, I blank.
The guy nods, folding his ladder and putting it over his shoulder. "I've had plenty a morning like that in my time." He tips his head toward the diner we're standing in front of. "You want a cup of coffee?" And like he can sense I'm about to protest, he adds, "On the house."
Honestly, it's not a terrible proposition. I could use a minute to catch my breath and figure out what the fuck I'm going to do next. And a free cup of coffee sounds divine. But what's the catch? People don't do nice things without expecting something in return.
Something in my gut urges me to take him up on his offer though. Like the universe might actually be throwing me that bone I had asked for.
"Yeah, that would be nice," I finally say.
The man grins and opens the door, the bell on it chiming as he holds it for me to step through.
Immediately, I'm graced with the heavenly aroma of freshly baked donuts and brewed coffee.
I've been in here a couple times before, but I don't recall it smelling this damn good.
Maybe it's the lack of having had breakfast and the desperation of needing a little bit of caffeine in my system for this chaotic day.
Claire used to work here, part-time, before her boyfriend was gunned down in the alley next door and she packed everything up and moved back to the east coast. I hadn't known her long, she was only here a handful of months but in that time, Cora and I had become decent friends with her.
It was tragic, what happened to her man, Johnny, especially after everything Claire had gone through with her toxic as fuck ex-boyfriend prior to him.
I guess the dude went psycho and tried to kill her, and ended up falling down a flight of stairs.
I had only heard that story once she was gone, rumors spread around school like wildfire when not only Johnny, but a couple other students were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds in a short period.
It smelled gang-related, but common folk know better than to put their noses into mafia business unless they want to meet the same fate as the fallen.
"Do you take cream or sugar?" The old man asks me.
I shake my head and climb onto an open stool at the counter. "Black is fine, thank you."
He points to the glass case full of bakery items. "Donut?"
"Coffee is plenty. I appreciate it." Not to mention if I still plan on going out with Cora tonight, I have to save every penny I can to drown myself in booze.
"I insist," he says. "Blueberry or plain?"
I try not to narrow my gaze at him, but his kindness feels incredibly unfamiliar and suspicious.
He lets out a chuckle. "I'm harmless, I promise. I've been around the block long enough to see someone in need, that's all."
So what, he's like my fairy freaking godfather?
I soften my demeanor. "Surprise me."
He plucks one from the cabinet and places it on a plate next to my steaming cup of coffee. He extends his hand toward me. "Bram."
I blink at him, then let my gaze wander to the branding all around the diner, letting the puzzle pieces fall into place. "Oh." I give him a firm shake. "You're like the Bram."
Bram rolls his eyes. "You make it sound like I'm famous."
"Sorry, it just makes a bit more sense now." I realize I never gave him my name. "June." I bring the mug to my lips and inhale the boldness before taking a careful sip.
"Nice to meet you, June." Bram grabs the towel draped over his shoulder and wipes up a bit of orange juice off the counter at the spot two seats down from me. "What has you wandering around aimlessly this morning?"
I set the cup down and spin it around. "Um, well. I just got fired."
Bram nods like he understands completely, which makes no sense at all. "I see."
"I'm sort of in a pinch, financially, so that definitely threw a wrench into my day.
It's not like I blame the guy, though. I was late, and it wasn't the first time.
I have two other jobs, but they don't start until later, and I don't exactly want to go home and deal with my roommates.
" I sigh and break off a chunk of the donut this man offered me.
"Which brings us to where you found me, looking for anyone hiring. "
He raises an eyebrow at me. "You have three jobs?"
I bob my head and pop the chunk of donut into my mouth. "Trying to save enough to move out. At this rate though, it's not looking great." Especially when Carter is stealing my hard-earned rent money when no one is watching.
"That's tough." Bram crosses his arms. "It's no wonder you were late. When do you sleep?"
"Here and there." I don't mention the random park bench from last night.
"Are you a student, too?"
I bite at my lip, a bit of shame rising up at admitting the truth. "No. I'm taking a semester off."
Why am I telling all of this to a complete stranger?
"Sounds like you need a job that understands the lengths you're going through to overcome this situation you're in."
"Yeah, wouldn't that be nice?" The closest I have to that is Jack, but even then, he's still a selfish asshole at times.
A girl about my age walks up to the register, pulling Bram's attention to her. "Can I get a large mocha to go?"
Bram pushes a couple buttons on the machine. "Anything else? Maybe a banana nut muffin?"
The girl flits her gaze at the plate in front of me. "What's she having?"
I put on my best salesperson face. "Blueberry old-fashioned. It's heavenly. Ten out of ten recommend."
"I'll have a half dozen of those, too. To-go. Please." She hands Bram a piece of plastic and he inserts it into the card reader.
I sit in polite silence, eating the rest of my donut and sipping my coffee while Bram completes her order. It doesn't take him long; working around the place like he could do it with his eyes closed.
The girl leaves and he tops off my mug. "Thanks for the assist there."
"Happy to help." It's the least I could do after his generosity.
"I could use a hand around here." He refills the sugar packets in the holder near the register. "If you're looking to replace that job you lost this morning."
"You're kidding." I stare at him, utter disbelief consuming me.
"Nope. I'm totally serious. Flexible hours. You could do deliveries if you want. There are some decent tips in it. I don't usually offer delivery but when I do, it's pretty popular."
Why does it sound like he's pitching me the job instead of me selling myself on the position?
"Um, yes. Absolutely yes. Whatever you need." I hop off the stool, damn near ready to give this man a hug for potentially saving my day. "When can I start?"
He glances over at the clock behind him. "I mean...now?" Bram focuses back on me. "Unless you're busy."
I let out a laugh. "Not at all." I point to the remaining packets that need to go in the holder, shifting to see the same kind at all the tables. "You want me to fill all of those?"
Bram nods, "Yeah."
It's then that I notice a sort of sadness about him.
Like something is missing. Something silently torturing his soul and causing his heart to ache.
For such a good man, I hate that for him.
Granted I've known him for a total of twenty minutes, but in that short time, he's already shown me more kindness than most other people have.
I make quick work of completing my first task, shuffling around the room and restocking the napkin holders, too. "Hey, hand me that broom," I ask him when I've finished, taking it and cleaning up the mess under the booth in the corner.